Remembering Prince: Musical legend dies at 57; mourned by fellow artists by Jim Kouri
The one-of-a-kind musical talent known to the world as Prince is dead at the age of 57, according to a number of news reports coming out of his hometown on Thursday. The singer, who was named Prince Rogers Nelson at birth, was discovered dead at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota early Thursday morning.
Prince had been hospitalized for the flu on April 15 in Illinois — but the highly celebrated singer/songwriter, musician and record producer told those attending his concert that he was okay.
Although I never met Prince or covered any news stories about him, my sister, song-stylist Cory Daye (nee Mary Jane Kouri) was fortunate to work with Prince on a recording while she was singing with Kid Creole and the Coconuts. (Listen to recording on You Tube video below.)
The song was written especially for Kid Creole by Prince who also produced the album-cut and plays lead guitar on the recording titled, “The Sex of It,” on the album Private Waters on the Great Divide. Also on that album was the theme from the motion picture Lambada: The Forbidden Dance with Cory Daye singing lead. (Listen to song on the You Tube video below).
My sister Cory will tell anyone who will listen that she has known only two musicians whom she would ever use the term “genius” to describe: the leader of her Grammy Award-nominated band (1977) Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band, Stony Browder, and Prince, who could play just about every instrument necessary to create a superior recording.
Credits:
August Darnell – Producer, Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Bass
Adriana Kaegi – Vocals, Choreography, Costume & Jewelry Design
Janique Svedberg – Vocals
Taryn Hagey – Vocals
Cory Daye – Vocals
also in “The Sex of It” written by Prince: Levi Seacer – Percussion, Keyboards
Eric Leeds – Horn Arrangements, Tenor Sax
Atlanta Bliss – Trumpet
Prince – All Other Instruments, Producer
Shelia E. – Background Vocals
